In this section

Basin Plan amendments

The Murray–Darling Basin Plan is about ensuring a healthy and productive system for future generations.

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has proposed changes to the Basin Plan, including a reduction to the water recovery target in the north of the Basin, from 390GL to 320GL.

The MDBA recommended the amendments to the Commonwealth Water Minister on 9 November 2017.

The Minister has 12 weeks to consider the recommendation before either tabling them or returning them to the MDBA with suggested changes for consideration.

The recommendations are based on research and monitoring, as well as talking to local communities and working with industry experts. Following consultation we incorporated some further changes (read the community consultation report).

The proposed amendments were provided to the Ministerial Council and subsequently the Authority for consideration (read the communique here). Based on their suggestions some further technical changes were made to the proposed amendment. No changes to either the northern Basin or groundwater SDLs have been made since the amendment was proposed in November 2016.